Simon Marks, 1st Baron Marks of Broughton

Simon Marks, 1st Baron Marks of Broughton (9 July 1888 – 8 December 1964), was a British businessman.

Early life

Marks was born in the Leylands, Leeds, on 9 July 1888, son of Michael Marks and Hannah Cohen. and educated at Manchester Grammar School.

Career

In 1907, he inherited a number of "penny bazaars" from his father, which had been established with Thomas Spencer. With the help of Israel Sieff, he built Marks & Spencer into an icon of British business.

He was knighted on 4 July 1944 and on 10 July 1961 was raised to the peerage as Baron Marks of Broughton, of Sunningdale in the Royal County of Berkshire.

Death and legacy

Marks died 8 December 1964, in London, and was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium. His ashes and memorial are housed within the internal columbarium (visible by arrangement). The ashes of his wife Miriam Marks (née Sieff, sister of Israel Sieff), and those of his business partner Israel Sieff, rest with his.

He was succeeded in the barony by his only son Michael.